If you are looking for some fun family travel destinations—places where you can take advantage of the great outdoors before Old Man Winter comes howling in, then you’ve found the right blog. So far, we’ve covered corn mazes and haunted houses, and now we are moving on to hiking trails. Remember we are trying to make these trips family-friendly. Which means we don’t want to junior to be begging to stay in the minivan and play his Gameboy while the rest of the clan is discovering nature. We want the entire family to spend quality time together. So how can you get your youngsters excited about hiking?
Here are some suggestions:
Have a Goal. One way to get your kids excited about walking is to map a final destination that appeals to them be it a waterfall, a pond, a scenic overlook, something they can count on getting to. Of course, you want to make sure your goal is attainable for each member of your family. If you have young ones you want to steer away from the 10-mile hike (unless you want to make like a pack mule and carry them for the last 9.5 miles).
Make It An Adventure. Hiking doesn’t have to be boring… if you plan ahead and pack properly. For example, if you know your hike is going to take you near water, bring a net to dip into the water. If your trail is waterless then bring along a magnifying glass to examine insects or a pair of binoculars to look for birds or to use at the top of an overlook. If you are on a shorter hike with a several children make it fun: Collect acorns, see who can find the biggest fallen leaf, or challenge the kids to a game of who-can-collect-the-most-leaves. If you are really creative you could even conduct a scavenger hunt.
Bring Food. Food is a great motivator. No, I’m not talking about attaching a cookie to a stick and hanging it in front of your child to motivate him to walk a few more miles. Rather, the day before consider making pumpkin muffins together as a snack for the hike, or let kids help make trail-mix, including treats of their choice like M&Ms or dried fruit. And, of course, don’t forget to bring plenty of bottled water.
Finally, before you head off on a hike, remember to talk about safety rules. Stay together in the woods and remind your children to stay put and make a lot of noise if they get lost.
If you live in the Northeast you may want to check out this great website that includes a trip planner with recommended foliage hikes. The organization sponsors nature walks and other activities in New Hampshire, Maine and New Jersey.
Related Articles:
Hiking With Children–Basic Safety Tips
Fun Fall Family Travel Destinations-Part 1: Corn Mazes
Fun Fall Family Travel Destinations–Part 2: Haunted Houses
“Take A Hike”—On The Appalachian Trail